As the leaves begin to turn, the woods start calling and hunting season draws near! This fall, head to Lincoln County, where the Northwoods start and your next hunting tradition begins. From deer and bear to turkey and waterfowl, there is something for every hunter, so why not plan a hunting trip right here in the Northwoods? In today’s blog, we’re sharing what you can hunt, when each season begins, and where to go in Lincoln County!
What You Can Hunt
When it comes to what you can hunt, Lincoln County truly has something for every hunter—from big game and small game to upland birds and waterfowl.
Big Game
If big game is what you’re after, Lincoln County is the place to be! Deer and bear hunting offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get out in the woods and start a new fall tradition.
Small Game
Looking for small game? Cottontail rabbit, squirrel, and coyote hunting are also great ways to enjoy the Northwoods throughout the fall and even into the winter months.
Upland Birds
As far as upland birds go, species like ruffed grouse, woodcock, and turkey are all on the list in Lincoln County. The Forestry Department actively manages the habitats for upland birds. In fact, across the Lincoln County Forest, you’ll find four Ruffed Grouse Management Areas (RGMAs), but we’ll get to those later!
Waterfowl
Duck hunting is another great way to get outdoors. Head out early in the morning and make the most of the waterfowl season! In addition to the habitats for upland birds, the Forestry Department also supports waterfowl habitat through wetland management on County Forest lands, maintaining stopover and nesting areas, especially along the Wisconsin River, which we are diving into later on!
When to Hunt
Onto the when! Hunting season in Lincoln County starts in early September and extends well into winter, with different opening dates depending on the species you are after.
Big Game
For deer hunters, archery and crossbow season opens September 12, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027. Gun deer season opens November 21 and runs through November 29, followed by muzzleloader season from November 30 through December 9. That means there are plenty of chances at a trophy buck this fall and winter—and opportunities for both antlered and antlerless harvest!
Bear season begins September 9 and runs through October 13, 2026, but keep in mind that bear hunting dates can vary by hunting method and zone. Be sure to always double-check regulations before heading out!
Small Game
For small-game hunters, cottontail rabbit and squirrel season opens September 12, 2026, and runs through February 28, 2027. Coyote hunting is open year-round!
Upland Birds
Upland-bird hunters can head out for ruffed grouse and turkey beginning September 12, 2026. Both seasons run through January 3, 2027! Woodcock season opens September 19 and runs through November 2, 2026.
Waterfowl
After ducks? The Northern Duck Zone season opens September 26 and runs through November 24, 2026.
As always, be sure to check current Wisconsin DNR regulations, licensing requirements, and zone-specific information before you go!
Where to Go
Now that you know what to hunt and when to go, let’s talk about where to go! Did you know that Lincoln County has more than 100,000 acres of public forest land? It’s true, and it’s open to hunting.
Lincoln County Forest
First up is the Lincoln County Forest, offering more than 100,000 acres of public land alone. This is a great place to start your hunt! During open seasons, you can hunt deer, bear, grouse, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl throughout the forest.
If ruffed grouse is your target, make sure Underdown Recreation Area is on your list—it’s part of County Forest land. The entire area is designated as a Ruffed Grouse Management Area (RGMA) and includes mowed hunter walking trails.
Speaking of RGMAs, there are four in Lincoln County: Underdown (6,886 acres), Camp 26 (3,772 acres), Four Mile (5,059 acres), and the Harrison Flowage (2,124 acres). In total, that’s 17,841 acres! These areas are managed to provide a diversity of aspen age classes to improve overall grouse habitat. Get the RGMA maps here.
Merrill Memorial Forest
Another spot to add to your list is Merrill Memorial Forest. This 920-acre wildlife habitat area has public hunting opportunities, walking trails, and an 80-acre wetland area. It is a great place to not only hunt but also enjoy some peace and quiet.
New Wood Wildlife Area
Next is New Wood Wildlife Area, offering a vast 4,635 acres publicly open to hunting! It has a mix of forest, wetland, and open areas that are prime for big game, small game, and even upland birds.
Bill Cross Wildlife Area
Bill Cross Wildlife Area, spanning 1,522 acres, provides amazing public hunting opportunities, too! This area features well-maintained trails and a diverse habitat—including access to the Wisconsin River—along with aspen and hardwood forests.
Wisconsin River
Speaking of the Wisconsin River, if you’re after waterfowl, the river runs the full length of the county, and much of it weaves through publicly accessible lands.
Managed Forest Law (MFL) Open Lands
Finally, the MFL Open Lands add even more acreage to hunt across the county! These privately owned properties are enrolled in the MFL program and open to hunting when designated as “open.” Check out the DNR’s maps to locate these properties here.
Don’t forget to check current maps, access information, and hunting regulations for the specific area you plan to hunt!
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There’s no better time to head north and enjoy the outdoors! Whether you’re starting a new hunting tradition or keeping an old one going, Lincoln County is ready to welcome you this fall. Start planning your trip today and get ready to make some unforgettable memories out in the woods!
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Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
